KABUL – The number of Afghan civilians killed in the country slong-running conflict hit a record high in the first six months of 2018, UNfigures showed Sunday, with militant attacks and suicide bombs the leadingcauses of death.
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The toll of 1,692 fatalities was one percent more than a year earlier andthe highest for the period since the United Nations Assistance Mission inAfghanistan (UNAMA) began keeping records in 2009.
Another 3,430 people were wounded in the war, down five percent from thesame period last year, the report said.
Overall civilian casualties — 5,122 – fell three percent year on year.
The record high death toll came despite an unprecedented ceasefire byAfghan security forces and the Taliban last month that was largelyrespected by both sides, UNAMA said.
The ceasefire for the first three days of Eid was marked by scenes ofjubilation as security forces and Taliban fighters celebrated the Islamicholiday, raising hopes that peace was possible after nearly 17 years ofconflict.
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But the suspension of hostilities was marred by two suicide attacks in theeastern province of Nangarhar that killed dozens of people and were claimedby the Islamic State group, which was not part of the ceasefire.
The Taliban refused a government request to extend the truce, returning tothe battlefield and ignoring calls to enter talks with Kabul to end the war.
“The brief ceasefire demonstrated that the fighting can be stopped and thatAfghan civilians no longer need to bear the brunt of the war,” TadamichiYamamoto, the UN secretary general s special representative forAfghanistan, said.
“We urge parties to seize all opportunities to find a peaceful settlement– this is the best way that they can protect all civilians.”
*Air strike casualties up*
Suicide bombs and “complex” attacks that involve several militantsaccounted for 1,413 casualties — 427 deaths and 986 injuries — up 22percent from a year earlier.
If that trend continues, the figure will top the 2017 full-year record ofnearly 2,300 casualties.
UNAMA attributed 52 percent of suicide and complex attacks to IS, mainly inKabul and Nangarhar where the group established a stronghold after emergingin Afghanistan in 2014.
The Taliban was responsible for 40 percent of such attacks.
While the Taliban is Afghanistan s largest militant group and holds orcontests more territory than any other, IS has repeatedly demonstrated itsability to carry out devastating attacks in urban areas.——————————
The latest report comes almost a year after US President Donald Trumpannounced his new South Asia strategy that involved ramping up American airstrikes against militants.
Civilians have paid a heavy toll for the intensified aerial bombingcampaign, with 353 casualties recorded in the first half of the year, up 52percent on last year, UNAMA said.
*Afghan Air Force attacking its own civilians*
More than half of the civilian casualties were caused by the Afghan AirForce.
One of the worst incidents was in the northern province of Kunduz in Aprilwhen an Afghan air strike on an outdoor religious gathering killed orwounded 107 people, mostly children, a previous UNAMA report found.
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The government and military said it had targeted a Taliban base wheresenior members of the group were planning attacks.
UNAMA also recorded 341 civilian casualties in election-related violence –a trend that is expected to worsen as the October 20 legislative ballotdraws closer. – APP/AFP